Figure - Vasi teste di moro - Pottery

Beautiful Sicilian Moro head-shaped vases, strictly handcrafted and hand-painted by master ceramists from Caltagirone. Classic Sicilian ceramics, known as Teste di Moro. These decorative vases trace their roots to an ancient Sicilian legend tied to Arab rule.

Tradition has it that they are made in pairs, depicting a young Moor and a noble maiden. They are popular decorative elements for both interiors and exteriors. The handicraft production of these ceramics is particularly renowned in Caltagirone. The Teste di Moro are pieces of furniture that never go out of fashion, but in recent years there has been a true rediscovery of these works of art. A Sicilian tradition that has spread worldwide, associating these art pieces with high-value design objects.

The legend originates in the city of Palermo, around the year 1000, in the Arab quarter of Kalsa. There lived a girl who spent her days tending to her plants. One day she was noticed by a Moor who became smitten and did not hesitate to declare his love. The girl returned his passion, but their story was destined for a short life, because soon she learned that her beloved had to return to his homeland to marry, and out of jealousy she cut off his head, placed it on the balcony, and watered the plants.

Their creation is an ancient process that requires great skill, patience, and a deep knowledge of traditional ceramic techniques. Creating a Testa di Moro is a handicraft work, complex. It starts with shaping the vase on the potter’s wheel using fresh clay; then the mouth, eyes, face, and turban or crown are modeled. Once finished, it is slowly air-dried to avoid cracks, and then fired in the kiln for the first firing at temperatures around 950–1000°C. This yields the terracotta that is then covered with glaze to render the surface waterproof and glossy after the second firing. Finally, decoration takes place, with artisans painting each piece by hand using fine brushes and ceramic colors. Features of the face, details of the headdresses, and the floral or geometric motifs typical of Sicilian Baroque or Moorish style are drawn. The decorated vase is subjected to a second firing (usually around 900–930°C). During this process, the colors fuse with the glaze, gaining the characteristic glossy shine, vivid color, and durability that define Sicilian ceramics.

Today Teste di Moro are no longer merely vases; they are true luxury and design furnishings. They are displayed in living rooms, gardens, and on balconies.